The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2011

FOR TODAY - March 31st



Outside my window...there is sun and warmth. No sweater needed today.
I am thinking...that I have a zillion things to do today and instead I am blogging. I do hope I am not addicted to blogging.
I am thankful ...that my sweet daughter was able to tolerate a medical test that she had to have today. I am very grateful that my 97 year old Aunt who broke her hip last Sunday was able to tolerate the surgery. I am grateful that I could spend some time with both of my Aunts this week.
From the learning rooms...I am learning so much from being around my Aunt Della who is 97 years old and my Aunt Alene who is 90 years old. I interviewed them this week and I will be creating a blog on their thoughts on life.
From the kitchen...there is nothing coming into my mind for dinner tonight. I think take home pizza sounds good. I am really bummed out that the price of Chocolate is going up. I don't know how I can survive without it. I wonder if there is a way to store it. I need a year's supply for sure.
I am wearing...stretch brown Levi's and I need the stretch today - a brown flowered tee shirt and light blue slippers.
I am creating...a list of all the things I need to do to begin Spring Cleaning. De junking is number one on the list.
I am going... over to the Riverton Hospital to visit a friend that had knee surgery on Tuesday. I may take a moment to see if I can find a blouse or sweater to go with a new skirt I bought.
I am reading..."Snow Rising". I thought I would have plenty of time to read while I was sitting with Aunt Della; but I didn't get any reading done at all. I am just slowly plugging a way on this book. I finished the short book on the temple and it was so inspirational, I plan to read it again.
I am hoping...that the sunshine will stay for a couple of day. I am praying that my daughter and son in law will have a safe drive to Idaho Falls. My son in law, Brandon's father passed away after suffering with cancer. His father was a very good man and will be greatly missed by his family.We will be driving up to Idaho Falls for the funeral on Monday. We love this family and pray for them to be comforted.
I am hearing...the TV, my fingers typing this post, and the cars going by. I have been listening to the birds each morning and it sounds so good. I feel spring is coming!!!
Around the house...I need to dust!
One of my favorite things...llately, is reading other blog posts. I am so impressed with all of the beautiful thoughts that are expressed by so many. I love those who write about their beliefs, family events, and just their musings. I love making new blogging friends.
A few plans for the rest of the week: I plan to catch up on my journaling and work on some genealogy - Maybe a Friday date night with my hubby - Enjoy every moment of conference - Drive to Idaho Falls for the funeral on Monday
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...



Here is our sweet Suesue and Sammy

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The Joy of Enduring -

Perhaps one could say that the title,"The Joy of Enduring" is an oxymoron. How can endurance be a joyful experience. To me the word endurence means hard work. There is both physical and spiritual endurance. Equally alike in many ways and sometimes you have both at one time.
I remember in my early 30's of a time when I took upon myself a goal of physical endurance. I started to run. I made a goal of how far, fast and how long I would run. I basically started this endeavor as a stress relief from caring for the needs of my six children. The moments of running helped me immensely. It was time to be in tune with myself for a while. I had to endure many hours of running before I reached the goals I had set for myself. At first it was very difficult, but eventually I experienced what is called a runner's high. Running became a favorite part of my day. I found joy in the process. Through the years I have experienced many moments of both physical and spiritual endurance.
The reason for these thought were motivated by our recent Stake Conference weekend. One of my favorite speakers at Stake Conference talked about enduring to the end. We hear that statement often in talks and scriptures.
Life it's self teaches us what it means to endure. Life is our training ground for enduring to the end. So,how can enduring equate to the word, Joy?
Here's a few light thoughts on endurance and joy. I received the challenge of teaching a group of seminary students. At first I didn't know how I was going to accomplish this assignment. I found that it required lots of prayer and hours of study. I had to get up very early in the morning each day; which was difficult because I don't do mornings. I soon adjusted to this new role. During the first year, I taught in a garage that had a small room built in it with a big wood burning stove. The man that owned the property would start the fire in the wood burning stove around 5am so it would be ready by 6:30am. I had 12 students at that time and each day as I entered that room before the day began; I felt such peace and joy. There was a special spirit in that room each morning that I taught. I loved teaching those awesome young men and women. In the end I taught for 4 years and received great blessings and great joy in this opportunity.
I feel deep joy as I service in the Jordan River Temple as an ordinance worker. At first I had to memorize parts of the ordinance work which was not easy for me. I have always had a difficult time memorizing and this took me almost beyond my ability. Prayers were offered and blessings given. It took hard work and endurance to finally feel confident in what I was required to do. The spiritual blessings and feelings of joy have been many. I love getting up to go to the temple each Saturday morning. Those few hours have become my favorite spiritual highs.
Now raising children is a true test in endurance. Being a parent and learning to enjoy all of the precious moments that you have with your children is priceless. However, it is not an easy one. I read many books to discover how to a better parent. I soon found out that reading and doing were not easy. One had to endure the learning process and also learn much about the word patience. There were many moments of tears and frustration but that was part of my growth and I found in time the joy of being a parent. Of course now I get to sit back and just enjoy the journey of having grandchildren.
Enduring doesn't end after having children or grandchildren. I have had serious times when there have been enduring tests with two of my grandchildren. At the time it seemed like a double whammy. You are so anxious for your own children as they suffer and then even more apprehensive for your suffering grandchild. The joy came after the trial of my faith in both of these moments of endurance. Joy was found in the many spiritual experiences that I had during that time.

We will experience serious circumstances in our lives.There are a varity of these kinds of issues that will test us such as health struggles, death, accidents, various other afflictions that come unbidden. Perhaps you have felt deep pain, concern, uncertainty and lack of understanding as to why this was happening to you.These moments of forebearance sometimes go on for days, weeks, and months. You pray mightily, you fast, you seek blessings, you feel weak and helpless. Your heart hurts, your thoughts are painful and then you pray more diligently and still the answer doesn't come or the answer is not what you sought. However through faith in Christ there will come a time when the light of the morning comes. Perhaps as you are kneeling in prayer, there will come a peace, a healing, the enduring promise to your heart is felt, you feel lifted up and loved and joy reaches deep inside of you and you know that you have endured this trial well. Many times this kind of ordeal will teach you things that no other way can do so and you would never feel the joy if you had not endured the pain.
I love the Book of Mormon and this scripture helps me see how enduring brings joy.
In Alma 28: 8
8. And this is the account of Ammon and his brethren, their journeying in the land of Nephi, their sufferings in the land, their sorrow, and their afflictions and their incomprehensible joy, and the reception and safety of the brethren in the land of Jershon. An now may the Lord, the Redeemer of all men, bless their souls forever.
I also like the scriptures in the Doctrine and Covenants section 58:2-6.
2. Verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
3. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
4. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
A couple of other thoughts on this subject by Elder Neal A. Maxwell:
"There cannot be immunity from all afflictions. Whether the afflictions are self-induced, as most of them are, or whether they are of the divine-tutorial type, it matters not. Either way, the Lord can help us so that our afflictions, said Alma, can be "swallowed up in the joy of Christ." (Alma 31: 38). Thus afflictions are endured and are overcome by joy. The sour notes are lost amid a symphony of salvational sounds. Our afflictions may not be extinguished. Instead, they can be dwarfed and swallowed up in the joy of Christ. This is how we overcome most of the time, not the elimination of afflictions, but the placing of these in that larger context. (Talk given Dec. 2, 1984.)
"When we reach a point of consecration, our afflictions will be swallowed up in the joy of Christ. It does not mean we won't have afflictions, but they will be put in a perspective that permits us to deal with them. With our steady pursuit of joy and with each increasing measure of righteousness, we will experience one more drop of delight --one drop after another--until, the words of a prophet, "our hearts are brim with joy." At least, the soul's cup finally runs over!! ("Brim with Joy p. 13.)
Then one of my favorite scriptures in found in 2 Nephi 31:20
20. Wherefore you must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if you press forward feasting upon the words of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.


Enduring brings us Eternal life which will be incomprehensible Joy!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2011

FOR TODAY - MARCH 23, 2011

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Outside my window...there is sunshine! Today, I feel like the first verse of this hymn; "There is sunshine in my soul today, More glorious and bright. Than glows in any earthly sky, For Jesus is my light. Oh, there's shine When the peace-ful happy moments roll. When Jesus shows his smiling face, There is sunshine in my soul.  

I am thinking...I would love to go out and bask in the sunshine all day. I feel like I would love to go shopping. I feel like I could start my spring cleaning.
I am thankful for...my husband and how hard he works to support us and how I hope that he can retire in a couple of years. I have deep gratitude for the good man that he is and how devoted he is to my everyday happiness.
From the learning rooms...I learned this yesterday about our brains and the power of music. Here is a quote from Laurence O'Donnell; "The power of music to affect memory is quite intriguing. Mozart's music and baroque music, with a 60 beats per minute beat pattern, activate the left and right brain. The simultaneous left and right brain action maximizes learning and retention of information. The information being studied activates the left brain while the music activates the right brain. Also, activities which engage both sides of the brain at the same time, such as playing an instrument or singing, causes the brain to be more capable of processing information.
 I must get back to practising the piano again; my brain needs to process information better and faster would be good too.
From the kitchen...there is always chocolate. Today I fixed my husband a very healthy blueberry drink. He works in the temple this afternoon so I will be making dinner for lunch, which will be stuffed green peppers.
I am wearing...light green bathrobe and my favorite black slippers. I need to get myself dressed so I can step out into the sunshine for a few moments.
I am creating....an article to share.
I am going...outside to feel the sun on my face. I will need to put on my sun screen first and get dressed would be good too.
I am reading...the book, "Snow Rising". It is a book with very deep thoughts about relationships, discovering one's self, looking deep into the kind of person you are and then making the change. It is a good book that causes one to ponder beyond the words.
I am also reading a book by M. Richard and Kathleen H. Walker entitled; "House of Learning - Getting More from Your Temple Experience". This book is filled with sweet spiritual temple experiences. There is practical applications on making the temple a House of Learning. The stories are tender and uplifting; bringing tears to my eyes.
I am hoping...to complete a goal I have made in my genealogy work.
I am hearing...the TV with another story on the passing of Elizabeth Taylor.
I did enjoy many of her movies. I can hear the traffic going by. This morning while I was laying in bed; I actually heard some birds chirping. Spring!!!
Around the house...I now have a brand new office chair that my dear husband put together last night. I could sit in it all day; it is so comfortable.
One of my favorite things...besides chocolate is waking up to sunshine. This is my theme for the day, "Bless the Sunshine".
A few plans for the rest of the week: I plan to finish my article and continue researching my ancestors today - Thursday, clean my upstairs and go to lunch with a friend and watch the BYU vs Florida; sweet 16 playoffs games - Friday, a date with my husband - Saturday, the temple and I hope another good basketball game with BYU - Sunday, church and a quiet Sabbath day -
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2011

For Today - March 20, 2011

Outside my window... it is cold, dark, deary and time for bed. I am sad that there was too much cloud cover to see the the extra large new moon tonight.  I am sure there will be many people that have taken pictures of this event. I am thinking...I need to wash my face and go to bed.

I am thankful for… safe travel to be with our family this weekend in Idaho Falls. We are so grateful to be here to celebrate our grandson Christian's ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood. 
From the learning room…I have been busy this week learning  more about now to do family history. I feel like I am learning enough to start some deeper research. From the kitchen...at my son's home we had Papa Murphy Pizza. My favorite pizza.

I am wearing....black and white PJ's/

I am creating...this blog post tonight.

I am reading... the book called "Snow Rising". I have been busy with other projects so I haven't been able to read as much this week. The plot is thickening. At this point there is a group of mountain climbers that are getting prepared to climb a challenging mountain in the Cascades. This mountain is going to be a dangerous climb. They are all learning how to react to what ever might happen on the climb. Each of the group are players in the drama that is about to unfold. The book is about one man and how he will find himself  during this moment in his life. Hopefully, I can get back into this book next week. I am hoping...to enjoy the moment of tomorrows events.

I am hearing...the review of the NCAA basketball games on TV. I am a huge BYU fan and enjoyed watching their win tonight. I can be excited since I graduated from BYU. Besides that fact that I really love to watch and play basketball. I have a lot of fun playing basketball with my grandchildren. I am very competitive and enjoy a game of one on one. However, some of my grandchildren are getting larger than I am so if they guard well I can't shoot as well. 

One of my favorite things...is to travel with my husband in the car. I enjoy the opportunity to have discussions on various subjects with him. I often read to him from the Ensign while he is driving.

What are your plans for the rest of the week...get a good nights sleep tonight. I have been up since 4:00am this morning and I am ready to say nite nite. Sunday, an awesome day at church. Not only is my grandson going to be ordained to the priesthood; my son is speaking in their ward. My other son and his family will be there also. I am looking forward to a wonderful sabbath day with family. 

  
Here is picture for thought I am sharing....

I am looking forward to spring time and the opportunity to visit a place like this where I can sit under a tree and read a good book 
with my husband by my side.

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RELIEF SOCIETY BIRTHDAY - 169 YEARS OF CHARITY NEVER FAILETH

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY TO THE RELIEF SOCIETY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS - 169 YEARS OF LOVE AND SERVICE TO OTHERS

 It has been 169 years since the key was turned and the organization of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was born. Since that time there are 6 million woman that belong to this world wide organization and can be found in 170 countries throughout the world. This organization is the largest woman's organization in the world.

The history of this organization began on March 17, 1842 when the Prophet Joseph Smith stated the following: "This Society is to get instruction thro' the order which God has established thro' the medium of those appointed to lead-and I now turn the key to you in the name of God and this Society shall rejoice and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time."
"In the beginning, God created man, male and female, and bestowed upon man certain blessings peculiar to a man of God, of which woman partook, so that without the female all things cannot be restored to the earth. It takes all to restore the Priesthood." -Newel K. Whitney
"Ye shall do the work which ye see me do. These are the grand key words for the Society to act from ." - Joseph Smith
"This Society shall have power to command Queens in their midst." - Joseph Smith
"This Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls." - Joseph Smith
"The popular institutions of the day should not be our guide - that as daughters of Zion we should set an example for all the world.: - Eliza R. Snow.
"We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together."- Lucy Mack Smith
"In the early days of this Society the women of the Relief Society, were the freest and vanguard women in history. They sided with the radical suffragettes and Utah women would be the first to vote. also, Mormon women were invited to speak at national and international conventions for women's rights, dating back to before the turn of the 20th Century.
Mormon women were the first to set up a hospital in the valley. Deseret Hospital had the first all -woman board in the nation. The sisters of the Relief Society financially supported early women doctors as they attended school back East. The Relief Society grew wheat, trained nurses, established health standards, supplied meals, ran for public office, ran a newspaper, traveled from one end of the territory to the other to visit train and administered needful items to the poor. These women greeted all those who arrived in the valley, providing them with food, housing and clothing." - Thoughts by Jan Tolman in "Mormon Times" Mar. 1, 201l.
Sister Beck General RS President has said, “As we move the Lord’s work forward, the history of Relief Society will continue to be written by faithful sisters throughout the world.” For this reason, the Relief Society general presidency encourages you to record what is happening in your life. Though you might not feel that you are making history, sisters around the world can learn from you and your personal experiences".   Take a moment to read the follow talk by Sister Beck Talk by Sister Beck:Relief Society, A Sacred Work
The on going goals of the Relief Society are the following:
1. Increase in faith and personal righteousness
2. Strengthen Home and Family
3. Serve the Lord and his Children

The Relief Society Motto is Charity Never Faileth

I have been a member of this wonderful organization for 47 years. Although my mother was an excellent seamstress; I first learned how to cut out a pattern while attending a homemaking meeting. In my day the homemaking nights were places to learn varied skills; such as, sewing, cooking, tips on cleaning our homes, organizing,  gardening, child rearing, budgeting, cultural refinement, and many other subjects. These subjects along with many others are still being taught throughout the world. In our Sunday Relief Society meetings we are learning the doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As woman we have been encouraged to continue learning throughout our lives.   I have had many opportunities to provide service to others through the Visiting Teaching and Compassionate Service programs. As Stake and Ward sisters we have worked on many humanitarian service projects. I have also received services provided by the sisters to my own family when we have had needs. I am so grateful for the many opportunities that I have had to serve within the Relief Society organization. I have learned many things through the years and have greatly benefited from being involved with this divine sanctioned organization.

I have met many woman through the years that have become my close friends and these woman are my sisters in every sense of the word.

In closing this post I would like to quote President Spencer W. Kimball:

"To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth,before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling.The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home— which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife." 

This is our calling as Woman in the Relief Society -

Please pause my music and enjoy this video -

Joy of Missions and Missionary Work -

On the day that Japan was hit with a large Earthquake and Tsunami; my first thought of course went to the people of Japan and the missionaries from our church serving there. My husband was home that day and called me into his office where he had just learned about this disaster and we immediately prayed for the Japanese people, the Japanese members of the church and for our missionaries serving there.
The church was notified that all of the missionaries were safe except they couldn't find out about the missionaries that were in the Sendai Mission. There were 20 missionaries in that area where the Tsunami hit. We have six missions in Japan with approx.150 missionaries in each mission.

Through the Stake and Ward organization lines, word was received quickly that 95% of the church members were found and accounted for. As I watched the news that day they were interviewing a family member of one of the missionaries that had not been found. At that time I prayed for the families of the missing missionaries. I felt at peace that all would be well with the them. When we finally found out that all the missionaries were safe; I felt such deep gratitude for their safety. Without any doubt at all I knew inside of me that Heavenly Father was watching over his missionaries. The statistics for a missionary losing his life while serving is very rare.
Our prayers are continuing on in behalf of all of the Japanese people. These kinds of disasters are horrible to watch on TV and with the medias ability to report news quickly; we are almost immediatly aware of the great distruction and loss of life. Our prayers will continue for our missionaries who will be doing a great work among the people in their efforts to serve them during this difficult time.  
Missionary work has always been dear to my heart. After my parents became active in the church my father was called to be a Stake Missionary. He would practise his lessons on my mother and I and it had a profound affect on my growing testimony. When I met my husband in High School, we discussed his desire to serve a mission. We grew in our love for each other and when the time came for him to serve his mission; I wanted him to do this with all my heart. He served a two year mission in Northern California. It wasn't easy to wait the two years for him to come home but it was worth every moment. He came home prepared to start our life together. 

 Often through the years we have had the missionaries over for dinner in our home. We talked about missionary work and encouraged our children to set a goal to serve a mission. My husband served four stake mission calls and was the President of the Stake Mission in Spokane. I served three Stake Missions. One in Las Vegas, Nevada and two in Spokane, Washington. I often would meet the missionaries at the home where they had a teaching appointment and I was able to assist with the lessons. Another sister in the ward was my companion and we would go visiting less active members and also assist missionaries. One time, the two of us were able to give all of the missionary lessons to a woman who didn't want the young missionaries to teach her. She was baptized and that was a very spiritual experience for us.
We have had 4 of our children serve missions. My  oldest son served in Des Moines Iowa Mission, my second son served in the Washington DC North Mission, my third son served in the Costa Rica Mission and our middle daughter served in the Venezuela Mission. It was such an awesome experience to have our children serve and they loved their missions and served faithfully. During their missions we communicated through letters and twice a year they could call home. All of them grew so much in their testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and also in their love for those they served. They taught many people and had many whom joined the church.
My parents in their later years served a mission in Cove Fort, Utah and that was one of their most cherished experiences.
My husband was raised in a home where missionary service was just part of their lives. Their father was always involved in missionary work. He served two Stake missions and served as a Stake Mission President. He worked under
Elder Gordon B.Hinckley as his assistant for 30 years. Later Elder Gordon B. Hinckley became  our Prophet and President of our church. While working as Gordon B. Hinckley's assistant, he worked in the audio visual and missionary department. He invented a small flannel board with the figures that would explain the Plan of Salvation and other aspects of the gospel for all of the missions throughout the world.  He did tours on Temple Square for years and would have firesides every Sunday where he would teach about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was called and set apart as the first Presiding Elder for Nigeria in the late 1950's by President McKay. He was unable to stay in the country for very long due to Visa problems. While he was over there for a brief period of time he taught and baptized many Nigerian people. He continued to correspond with the people in Nigeria for several years as assigned by the church. He was later called with his wife to serve as the President of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana Mission for three years. Later on in the mid 1980's he and his wife served for 18 months in Nigeria and Ghana.They also served in Salt Lake City as missionaries in a Vietnamese ward. 
In 2003 while living in Spokane Washington my husband and I were invited over to meet with one of the Stake Presidency. I was at that time called to be the Nurse for the Washington Spokane Mission. I felt totally inadequate to take on this assignment. I had not been a practising nurse for over 15 years.  As the Presidency member was talking with us; I knew that I was to accept the call. The spirit spoke to my soul and I felt a warmth flow through me. As my husband and I were walking to our car I was telling him about the feelings that I had and when I told him about the feeling of warmth going through me; he said, " Yes, that was just the blood returning to your face." He said that when I was asked to do this calling, I went white as a ghost.  
The calling was for one year. I felt such fear and wondered how I was really going to do this calling. I did a lot of praying, soul searching and studying medical conditions.  My main responsibilities was to receive calls from the missionaries if they had any questions about their health. I had a cell phone so if I was not at home I could take a call. I took the cell phone with me  when I was on vacation or visiting children. I truly loved all of the missionaries and wanted to be there for them in anyway I could. I had a physician that I could call if I needed more information and also to direct the missionaries to him if the condition reported was more than I could handle.
I had many calls.There was between 170-200 missionaries serving in that mission. I could have 50 to 100 or more calls a month. There were very few months when it was lower than that. I had to chart on all of the calls and take care of insurance and other paper work. I would report the calls to the Mission President in a weekly meeting.  Also, I had to call in to the Church Offices to their medical department and request OKs on any treatment that the missionaries received or needed to receive. If there was a serious condition I would direct them to a physician, urgent care, ER or hospital. I had about 5 missionaries during that time that were hospitalized and I would make visits to the hospital to check on them. 
There were a few interesting health issues that happened. The one that I will share is the following. As two of the Assistants to the President were walking down a street one day, they saw a baby coyote on the road. One of the Elder's picked the baby Coyote up and was bit in the hand. He didn't let me know about it for two days. When I found out he was sent to the ER and had to have Rabies shots which was not a pleasant experience. I had to keep in mind that I was working with 19 to 21 year old Elders and Sisters. Sometimes, I knew they just needed to talk with their mother and couldn't so I became their mother when they were sick or just having a very bad time. The Mission President's wife would assist me at times when there were emotional problems with the Elders or Sisters. I was able to teach health, nutrition and exercise classes to the missionaries at Zone Conferences. I also did Medical orientation to the new missionaries that came in each month.  When the year was over I extended my mission for another six months and then extended another 6 months and even then I wanted to stay on my mission. I finally knew that I was to be released. The spirit told me it was time. A few months before my release my husband lost his job and we eventually had to move back to Salt Lake City area. I then knew why I had been directed to be released and available to train a new nurse.
My purpose in relating all of this is the fact that I know that Heavenly Father watches over his missionaries. There were countless times that I would receive a call from a missionary and would not know what to tell them and then I would receive through the spirit the exact words to explain what they needed to do for their condition. I do know beyond a doubt that our missionaries are watched over and protected.
 I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true and I have felt the spirit testify to my soul many times that it is true. I am so grateful for our Latter-day Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. I am so grateful for the testimony of the Plan of Salvation the I learned at my fathers feet when I was very young.  I love missionary work and my husband and I look forward in the very near future to receiving a missionary call. We would like to serve on more than one full time mission when my husband retires. This is our goal. I am so  grateful for the missions that I have served and how much I have learned and grown in my own testimony of the gospel.
 I have a deep and abiding love for all the people of this earth and know beyond doubt that we are spiritual brothers and sisters and lived and knew our Heaven Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ in the Pre-existence.
All of this is why I feel great joy and love for missionary work and for the missionaries that serve throughout the world; they are always in our prayers. I know that they are protected and watched over by our Heavenly Father and our ever aware Savior Jesus Christ.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2011

FOR TODAY - March 10, 2011

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Outside my window...there is a bright blue sunny sky without any clouds floating by. I am enjoying the sun beams that are flitting about in my study room. I plan to take a moment and soak in the sun so I will get my vitamin D today. As a matter of fact the temperature is suppose to reach the  60's. Hard to believe that two days ago we had 3 inches of snow. 

I am thinking...of all the things I need to accomplish today. My oldest daughter and family are suppose to arrive tomorrow. I am so excited to see them all. They have four adorable daughters, ages 13,11,10,7 and then their one little boy who is 4. They drove from Missouri to St. George to visit Brandon's family. I guess homeschooling has it's perks; because they are free to take a trip anytime they choose.

I am thankful for...this beautiful day to enjoy the warmth of the sun. I am thankful that I have a lovely home to clean today. Perhaps, if I hurry I can have a few extra moments to enjoy reading a book that I am having a hard time putting down, maybe even outside in the sun.

From the learning rooms...I am actually concerned about my learning. I feel like I read a lot, but then forget most of what I have read. I am very frightened about having Alzheimer's disease; due to the fact my Father developed it in his 80's. Last night I told my husband that I need Long Term Care Insurance in case I need to be put in a lock down unit in a nursing home.

Here is the reason for my increased concern. My husband worked at home yesterday. We both have our own computer and study. As he left to go to his temple assignment; he was perplexed about leaving his work. He asked me to watch his computer for 5 minutes and see if his boss left a message for him and he would call me later and let me type in his reply. A short time later his computer went out of his work site. He calls me later while I am sitting at my computer and tried several times to tell me how to get back into his work site and bring up his emails. I kept telling him that the main screen is not showing his normal layout and there are no icons like he is describing.

Finally, he becomes frustrated with me and he says; "What computer are you on?" Oh my gosh, I am on my computer. Brain where have you gone??

Do I have a reason to be concerned????

From the kitchen...I just fixed my favorite Oatmeal cereal with toast for both my husband and I. This is my favorite comfort breakfast meal. Both of my dogs can hear me fixing the toast so they are following me into the study with hopes that I will share some of the toast. It is so cute. I am now in a state of blissfulness and comfort.

I am wearing...black pants, black and white shirt, black socks and slippers.

This is my work clothes for the day.

I am creating...today a prioritized list of what I want to accomplish each day. We already know that I am sidetracked; so now I need to work on some timing issues and actually make a list and time for the things I hope to accomplish each day.

I am going...to have to make a shopping list for food for the next few days that my daughter will be visiting. I can just go around the perimeter of the store because their family is very health oriented, as I should be. She believes in the raw vegetables, grains, and little meat menu. Also, she doesn't like to have the children have a lot of sugar, so my homemade cookies are out. Well, maybe not; I made a deal with her that when the children come they can have some homemade cookies from their grandmother. This is a grandmother thing! So I will make some kind of healthy cookies; if there is such a thing.

I am reading..."Snow Rising" by Matt Baldwin. I am really enjoying this book and it is hard to put down. It has a self discovery theme to it. He is an excellent and very descriptive writer. I am anxious to find out how the plot is going to develop.  

I am hoping...to have a delightful weekend with my dear grandchildren.

I am hearing...the TV on with The View, which I detest, so I need to change the channel. I am also hearing my husband listening and responding to a conference call which is on speaker.

Around the house...I will be vacuuming, dusting and cleaning while I go.

One of my favorite things...is going to the temple. Today is our Stake Temple day with a chapel meeting after the session this evening. I will truly have a joy filled night.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Thursday; cleaning house and temple -Friday, shopping for groceries, making cookies and preparing a meal for later - Saturday, temple assignment and enjoying our children and grandchildren - Sunday, it's our Stake Conference and enjoying the sabbath with our children -

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Fun in the Sun with -

Our Workman kids -

Looking ahead I will be posting the visits we are having with our 4 grandsons that are receiving the priesthood over the next few months.

JOYS OF THE TEMPLE -

Sealed to my family in March of 1953

My thoughts today are turned to the Joys of The Temple.
My parents were not active in our church through the early years of their marriage. After they became active, they took my two brothers and I to the temple to be sealed as a family for eternity. I was 7 years old at that time and felt the spirit that day and it became part of a growing testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have always loved the temple and have had great moments of joy within the walls of the temples through  the years. 


Oakland Temple

Several years ago, our family lived in San Jose, CA. We were about 90 minutes away from the Oakland Temple, which sits upon a hill overlooking the San Francisco Bay. I recall attending a special fireside for endowed members. The speaker was President Castleton of the Oakland Temple. He talked for  a moment about the outward appearance of the temple and its impact on the community. He explained how the temple when fully illuminated at night becomes a light, a literal beacon to many; including ships in the bay, planes in the sky, even motorists. The Temple provides a bearing, even a beacon of light  and especially during times of bad weather and fog. I thought about this and have noted over the years that many of the temples do sit on a hill and can be seen thoughout the valleys. The temple should be a spiritual beacon in our lives. As it becomes more a part of our life we will discover new bearings to aid in our daily sojourn. We have the assurance that the blessings and promises of the Lord are always within our view.
I feel very blessed at this time of my life to have  5 temples within this valley. We have two temples approx. 2.5 miles from our home. Many years ago we purchased a piece of property on the street next to the Jordan River Temple. We were so excited at the thoughts of living near the temple and even held Family Home Evenings in the car by our piece of property. We did not get to complete that dream. We had to sale that piece of property due to a job change and subsequent move. Now that dream has been fulfilled as we serve weekly in the Jordan River Temple. The temple is a beacon in our lifes, a place of peace and joy.



Jordan River Temple where we serve

The temple is a house of peace, a house of prayer, a house of revelation, a house of covenants, and of service. A true house of peace and joy. I love this sweet story by Michael Wilcox. "A friend of his was leaving for the temple when his small son stopped him and asked him where he was going: "We are going to the temple," was the reply. "Well, when you get there the son said, "Will you tell my good friend Jesus, Hi?" "I don't think we'll see him there", his Mother answered. Then, with the profound insight of a child, the son responded, "Oh, I think you will find him - if you look very hard for him."
Ponder these thoughts. Do we look for the Savior there? Do we feel the spirit? Do we ponder on the things we learn? Do we feel good about the service we give? Do we feel peace and joy within those walls.

Walk Where Jesus Walked

If  I could go to Galilee and walk where Jesus walked and sit in the tender grasses on the hillside where he taught.
If I could feel a gentle breeze that lifted from the sea; where he chose the humble fishermen, how full my heart would be.
If I could sit and ponder on a rock that knew his hand, or walk along the seashore where his feet had touched the sand.
My spirit yearns within me, but it doesn't seem my fate, I'll never walk where Jesus walked, I'll never see...but wait, I've worshipped in His Temple where I know he's walked before.
Have his feet been down this hallway? Has he stood here in this very room and looked at what I see? In the beauty of his temple I can feel his love for me.
I close my eyes and picture Him my worries melt away. I don't need to go to Galilee or travel far away. For my tender heart is filled with what He wants me to be taught and my testimony burns within...I've walked where Jesus walked.  - by Carma Salvenson
What joy filled my heart on that special day when I was 7 years and we were sealed as a family. Again deep joy was felt the day that I was sealed to my beloved companion for eternity. Then to watch as each of our sons and daughters were married in the temple. This is the ultimate blessing and joy of the temple that we are a forever family and then to link our families to our ancestors. That circle of peace and joy continues on with our posterity.

 Yes, this is the Joy of the Temple.

The Salt Lake Temple
Married to my eternal companion in 1967 -
Two daughters were married in the Salt Lake Temple -
The following are the temples my sons were married in; the Las Vegas Temple, the Washington DC Temple and the Bountiful Temple - 

WHY WE BELIEVE IN TEMPLE WORK!

The  L.D.S. Temple for me is my favorite place to be, my favorite date, and my favorite family event. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we believe that as spirit children of our Heavenly Father that we lived with him in a pre-existence. There we prepared for our sojourn on earth. We come to earth to gain a body and to prove ourselves through the  exercise of our agency to choose good verses evil. One of our main goals while here is to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. The core of our belief is faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement. 
We believe all of Heavenly Father's spirit children that have been born on the earth will have an opportunity to except or reject the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is why we do temple work, first for ourselves and then for our ancestors. The Temple is a sacred place and here we have sacred experiences. In the temple we learn further about the Plan of Salvation. We provide for the dead ordinances such as baptism and etc. that will bring each person who has ever lived the blessings of the temple. After this life; we believe that those who did not have the gospel while on the earth; will be taught in the spirit world and will have the opportunity to accept or reject these saving ordinances. We believe in being married and sealed not for just earth life; but for eternity. We believe in eternal families.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2011

FOR TODAY March 3, 2011

Outside my window...the sun is peeking through the gray clouds generating thoughts of warmth. I have a wish for spring like weather, but more storms are coming.
I am thinking...that I need to organize my life. How can I learn not to be so sidetracked? I want to change my persona as a Sidetracked Home Executive to a Organized Home Executive. I will need to be alive for at least 35 more years to accomplish this task. The last 45 years I haven't changed a bit.
I am thankful for...having a lovely home to organize. You can tell organization is on my mind today. Since God created the earth in 7 days each day being 1,000 years; maybe I have at least 1,000 years to organize my small little world instead of just 35 years. I can hope!
From the learning rooms...I am trying to learn how to schedule just one day at a time and  complete the goals for that day. I am an expert in making a schedule and then breaking it within seconds. 
From the kitchen...I am finding that I have already made 5 trips to the kitchen for Jr. Mints. I have no plans for dinner, so I will probably con my husband into making something tonight. He makes delicious Chicken salad.
I am wearing...light blue Levis, dark blue shirt, dark blue socks and light blue slippers. I am color coordinated today.
I am creating...a list of the all of the projects I want to work on each week. Here it is:
1. Blogging 2. Typing my journal 3. Histories: writing and publishing my Aunt Della's history for her family - Continuing a blog  history on my husband's parents - Creating a blog  history of my parents (this history is written and I just have to enter posts) - 4. Putting my Husband's missionary journal on the computer - 5. Organizing letters  into a binder that we wrote to each other while he was on his mission - 6. Arranging all of our Christmas letters through the years - 7.Throw in some genealogy - 8. Finally but not the least, re-do Baby Books for my two oldest sons who are now 42 and 40 years old. I didn't do baby books for the other 4 children, how pathetic is that? You can see how I need more time.
I am going...to research more on the genealogy line I was working on yesterday. I was suppose to be doing that earlier. It's that sidetracked thing.
I am reading..."Snow Rising", I will comment on it later on.
I am hoping...to actually schedule time each day to do the above list. The trick will be sticking to the plan and the timing. Perhaps, prayers will help.
I am hearing...Glen Beck on the TV, trucks rolling by and my electric heater
fan. 
Around the house...there is a Comcast worker here putting in a TV line for my kitchen. I have dreams of listening to Cooking shows while whipping up something divine.  
One of my favorite things...is sleep!  I started with a cold on Sunday; but immediately started Airborne and it is almost totally gone. I just need some sleep. I think that I need a year's supply of Airborne; it works so good.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Friday, dust and clean my house; the short version of cleaning - Research a genealogy line - Saturday, the temple and then drive to Sugar City, Idaho to spend the weekend with our son's family -Sunday, attend church with our children and witness our 12 year old grandson, Austin receive the Aaronic priesthood - Drive back home.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing....

Spring bursting through the snow

Take a moment to enjoy other Simple woman Daybook entries here:
http://thesimplewoman'sdaybook.blogspot.com/